Does a physiotherapy perform post-operative rehabilitation?

Post-operative rehabilitation helps you restore movement, strength, confidence, and function after an operation. Early care may focus on safe positioning, swelling control, breathing, transfers, walking, or protecting the surgical area. Later sessions can introduce range-of-motion work, strengthening, balance, and task practice. The exact programme depends on the operation, tissues involved, wound status, pain, and any restrictions from the surgical team. A physiotherapist communicates these boundaries clearly and progresses activity as healing allows.

Take your discharge instructions and operation details to the appointment, including any weight-bearing or movement limits. Mention wound concerns, fever, unusual swelling, calf pain, changes in sensation, and medicines. Ask how to get in and out of bed, use stairs or walking aids, and protect the operated area during sleep and daily tasks. Perform the prescribed exercises at the recommended level; do not add extra resistance or stretching until the team confirms it is appropriate. Keep follow-up appointments so the plan can be adjusted.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing redness or drainage from the wound, fever, worsening swelling, or pain that is not settling as expected. Seek urgent care for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, or a new cold, pale, or weak limb. Do not wait for the next physiotherapy appointment when a symptom suggests a serious post-operative problem.

Which movements and loads are currently allowed? What is the safest way to manage stairs and bathing? What should the wound look like as it heals? When can rehabilitation progress, and who should I call if symptoms worsen?